The Story of the Early Church—And Us

Imagine this—you’re not just reading history. You’re standing inside it. Acts invites you to see yourself in God’s unfolding plan. What began in the first century is still alive, still moving, and still shaping the world through Christ’s Church today.

Acts 1:1–3 is not simply a preface—it’s the launchpad for the mission of God through His people. In three short verses, Luke reminds us of where the story began, who empowers it, and where it’s headed.

This passage speaks to your life because:

Luke, a physician and historian, wrote both the Gospel of Luke and Acts as a two-volume account around AD 62. This was during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, giving Luke a unique vantage point on the early Church’s mission.

Luke points back to his “first narrative”—the Gospel of Luke—which told the story of what Jesus began to do and teach during His earthly ministry. That word began is the Greek ἤρξατο (ērxato)—to start something that continues forward. Luke’s choice of word tells you the story isn’t finished.

When Jesus ascended, His mission didn’t stop; it shifted to His body on earth—the Church. Now, He works through you. The phrase “to do” comes from ποιεῖν (poiein)—“to act, to accomplish.” In the Gospels, Jesus acted in perfect obedience to the Father; in Acts, He acts through His people. And “to teach” is διδάσκειν (didaskein)—“to instruct and shape understanding toward obedience.”

The work of Jesus did not end with His resurrection and ascension—it continues through His Spirit-empowered people. What He began on earth is still being carried forward in the world through you and me.

Lord Jesus, thank You that You are still at work in the world and in my life. Help me see my place in Your mission and give me the courage to step into it fully.

If the mission of Jesus is still moving forward, the question is—how do you join it without running on empty? Luke gives the answer in the very next verse: you don’t do it alone—you do it in the Spirit’s power.

In the ancient world, a ruler’s final orders before departure carried great weight. Here, Jesus’ last commands are given in the power of the Holy Spirit—a reminder that His mission is both authoritative and Spirit-enabled.

Luke says Jesus “gave instructions through the Holy Spirit” before ascending. The phrase given instructions is ἐντειλάμενος (enteilamenos)—a royal command meant to be obeyed, not debated.

Even in His glorified, resurrected state, Jesus relied on the Spirit to communicate and direct His followers. Through the Holy Spirit (διὰ πνεύματος ἁγίου, dia pneumatos hagiou) shows the Spirit was not just the message-bearer—He was the empowering force behind the command. The word apostles (ἀποστόλοις, apostolois) means “sent ones,” personally commissioned to represent the King.

The mission of Christ is never carried out by human effort alone—it is Spirit-empowered from start to finish.

Holy Spirit, I don’t want to live or serve in my own strength. Fill me with Your power so I can walk in obedience and bear witness to Jesus.

But the Spirit doesn’t just send you anywhere—He sends you with a purpose. Jesus made that purpose crystal clear during His final 40 days on earth: live with the Kingdom in view.

In the 40 days between His resurrection and ascension, Jesus not only proved He was alive—He taught about the Kingdom of God. In Jewish thought, “forty” symbolized preparation, pointing to a readying of the disciples for their global mission.

Jesus “presented Himself alive… by many convincing proofs.” That phrase convincing proofs is τεκμηρίοις (tekmēriois)—evidence so certain it leaves no room for doubt. Luke stresses that the resurrection is not wishful thinking—it’s a fact verified by eyewitnesses.

Over forty days, Jesus kept (λέγων, legōn) speaking about the Kingdom of God (βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ, basileia tou theou)—God’s reign over His people and creation, present now through the gospel and fully realized at His return. This Kingdom shapes how you live today, calling you to justice, mercy, and obedience to your King.

The risen Christ calls you to live and serve with the Kingdom in view—His reign is both present and future, and your life should reflect that reality.

Lord Jesus, reign over my heart, my home, and my work. Let my life display the reality of Your Kingdom until You return.

When you step back and put these truths together—ongoing mission, Spirit-empowered life, and Kingdom focus—you realize this isn’t just a Bible story. It’s your story, right now.

It’s not just the apostles’ story.
It’s not just ancient Church history.
It’s the story of the risen Christ—still alive, still active, still advancing His Kingdom through ordinary people like you.

The Book of Acts is still being written. And Jesus is still the Author. Go live the story—until the whole world knows.